As digital dental technologies have become established in dental laboratories, the processes using these technologies have become more efficient: Scanners, materials and milling machines work together like clockwork in the digitally enhanced fabrication of restorations – reducing the potential for errors in daily lab operations and boosting the quality and throughput of the laboratory. Encased with an innovative new ring, the IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic discs now offer additional advantages for everyday lab handling.

Automating operations and integrating digital apps into everyday routines are essential factors for increasing efficiency and reducing costs. Why? Because the goal is to produce high-quality dental restorations in a steady flow of production, while minimizing the use of time, materials and human resources. Reducing the need for manual steps allows staff members to be assigned to other tasks that demand specialised skills or involve direct interaction with other people. Digital solutions help simplify and optimise existing workflows. Machining templates and integrated changers enable dental mills such as the PrograMill PM7 to perform milling jobs almost entirely autonomously, with minimal human intervention. An increasing number of tasks in dental laboratories are being transformed into digital processes. The resulting improvement in efficiency leads to quicker completion of restorations and the ability to manage a greater number of jobs. Using equipment more efficiently and at higher frequency can lead to a quicker return on investment. This, along with other factors, contributes to increasing revenue over time.
It is not just about improving efficiency; it is also about enhancing flexibility in everyday operations. Apps such as Ivoclar Monitoring help boost flexibility even more. With it, the current job and machine status of specific Ivoclar devices can be checked in real time from anywhere, at any time.

In developing innovative dental materials, Ivoclar consistently sets new benchmarks in the dental field. For instance, take the two zirconia discs IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic. These materials combine two types of zirconium oxide with different properties in one disc, thereby unlocking a very broad spectrum of applications. They are next-generation zirconia materials that offer not only high strength but also enhanced aesthetic qualities. A standout feature is the GT Technology, which provides the discs with a natural progression of translucency from the dentine to the incisal margin. Additionally, IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic are regularly adjusted to ensure they are aligned with the needs of customers. To make them even more user friendly, both zirconium oxide discs are now encased by an outer ring, which facilitates certain tasks in the laboratory:

1. Easy positioning in the material holder
   The new ring feature enables the disc to be inserted, removed and placed back in the material holder without any hassle. The ring is equipped with a guiding notch that shows the correct position of the disc in the material holder, eliminating the need for dental technicians to make their own markings. In addition, the ring allows the disc to be secured in the holder without causing any stress or tension, thereby preventing chipping or breaking while the material is held in place.
   
   
2. Consistent colour coding for instant identification 
   The colours of the rings are coordinated with the familiar colour scheme of the IPS e.max ZirCAD product portfolio: magenta for IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and grey for IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic. This makes it easy and quick to identify and select the correct disc based on the colour of the ring. This way, the coloured rings offer an extra advantage by helping to avoid mix-ups, particularly amidst the hurly-burly of a busy work environment. Having the same colour scheme throughout the entire range of IPS e.max ZirCAD products creates clarity.
   
   
3. Rounded-out all around
   The ring completes the well thought-through and user-friendly design of the two IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime discs. They fit seamlessly into the Ivoclar workflow. Thanks to the RFID label, data can be quickly captured and integrated into the PrograMill PM7 without the need for any manual steps in between. This way, the RFID labels on the IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic optimise the workflow in the dental laboratory. The versatile IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime disc comes in thicknesses of 14mm, 16mm, 20mm and 25mm, enabling optimal positioning of the restoration within the blank. An extensive and thorough validation process has been conducted to ensure that the material works well in conjunction with other components of the Ivoclar workflow system. Aesthetically speaking, the material’s wide range of shades plays a crucial role, while its GT Technology is the prime feature that truly sets it apart.
   
   
4. Achieving highly esthetic restorations effortlessly with GT Technology
   The material’s mechanical properties also contribute to elevating the efficiency of the manufacturing processes in the laboratory. The unique GT Technology combines the best of two worlds: strength and translucency. This innovative filler technology creates a natural, seamless and layer-free progression of shade, strength and translucency. Advanced powder conditioning ensures adjusted sintering kinetics and provides an optimum combination of the two raw zirconium oxide materials. This results in uniform shrinkage behaviour and exceptionally accurately fitting zirconia restorations.

Transitioning to digital technologies can increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of dental laboratories. Selecting the appropriate material that seamlessly integrates into existing workflows and offers unique features and material properties is essential in this context. IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime and IPS e.max ZirCAD Prime Esthetic are zirconium oxide materials that embody Ivoclar’s expertise and experience. Through close collaboration with dental professionals, helpful and innovative features have been developed, specifically aimed at enhancing workflow efficiency and performance.